Draft-equalizer



(No Model.)

T. HARDING.

DRAFT EQUALIZER.

No. 264,285. Patented Sept. 12, 1882.

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N. PETERS. Photo-Lithographer. Washmgtun. nc.

UNrran 'mres PATENT @ri ion.

THOMAS HARDING, OF LAFAYETTE, INDIANA.

DRAFT-EQUALIZER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 264,285, dated September 12, 1882.

Application filed February 27, 1882. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, THOMAS HARDING, of Lafayette, Tippecanoe county, in the State of Indiana, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Draft-Equalizers; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and accurate description of the same.

This invention consists of an ordinary double-tree pivoted to the tongue or other proper part'of the running-gear of a wagon at a point some distance in the rear of a right line, which maybe drawn between the points of attachmen tofthe single-trees to said double-tree, combined with an equalizing-spring,whereby when, by reason of a preponderating force of draft, one end of the single-tree advances it does so in acurved line toward the tongue, and therefore with diminishing leverage, while at the same time the opposite single-tree recedes from the tongue, and therefore has an increasing leverage, a part of the preponderating force being taken up by the equalizing-spring.

That others may fully understand my invention, I will more particularly describe it, having reference to the accompanying drawing, whereof the figure is a plan of my equalizer.

A is the wagon-tongue, of ordinary structure, and B is a double-tree, with a draft connection to the tongue or other part of the wagon, by means of the arm 0 rigidly fastened to the double tree, and extending backward therefrom to a pivot, D, whereon the doubletree not only sways, but swings, as shown in dotted lines, so that a preponderating draftstrain on the single-tree at one end causes that end to move forward in aline curved about the center D, and with diminishing distance from the axis of draft, and therefore with a short cned leverage on that side, while the opposite end of the double-tree recedes from the axis of draft in a corresponding degree, and with a lengthened leverage. This effect will be immediately understood when it is remembered that the pivot of the double-tree has always heretofore been put on or about a right line, which joins the points of attachment of the single-trees, and that therefore the double-tree lies on the diameter of the circle in which said single-tree connections move. Both singletrees therefore simultaneously and equally advance and reeede from the axis of draft; but

other,the change of leverage within the range of similar double-trees as heretofore made will be insufiieient to equalize the'draft. Itis therefore advantageous to provide a means for absorbing in a lateral or other direction a part of the prepondcratingpower, and thus, when such power greatly preponderates, a portion of it will be neutralized by other force than the draft power.

In the drawing a lateral equalizing-spring, E, is shown between a lug, f, projecting from the double-tree, and a solid abutine11t,g,on the tongue. Springs E are placed on each side of said abutmentg, so that the stronger force may be on either side. A portion of the preponderating force is thereby taken up by said spring, and the weaker force is aided in equalizing the. draft to that extent.

Havingdescribed my inventionmhat I claim as new is 1. A draft-equalizer consisting of a doubletree with a pivotal connection to the tongue A or other proper part of the runninggear of a wagon at a distance in rear of the right line, which may be drawn between the connections of the single trees to the double-tree, combined with the equalizer-springs E E, as set forth.

2. The tongue A of a wagon and the doubletree B, combined with an arm, 0, projecting backward from the double-tree, having at its outer extremity a pivotal connection, D, with said tongue, and'at its inner or forward extremity means for attachment to said doubletree, and projecting lugsff, to serve as abutments for the springs E E, and the stationary abutment g, fastened to the tongue.

THOMAS HARDING.

Vitnesses:

G. B, SIMPsON, W. T. BARBEE. 

